HOW SPETIV HELPS COMPANIES TO UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF MATURE OR MID-LIFE OIL AND GAS ASSETS USING ESPs

Oil and gas are finite resources. The start of production in a field marks the beginning of the end of that area. Many oil and gas producing countries have mature fields, also known as brownfields. These are fields that are in a state of declining production or reaching the end of their productive lives. These fields are considered the “backbone” of the industry, though new discoveries and developments often take the limelight.

The Strategic Value of Mature Fields

Acquiring mature and marginal fields is the business vision of some oil and gas companies, particularly those operating in Central Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Such fields are the strength behind the growth strategy of respected companies like Perenco, Addax Petroleum and Trident Energy.

After exploiting new oil fields for 20-30 years, natural decline sets in, raising the cost of maintaining each well. For offshore production for example, as oil production declines, water production increases thereby increasing the production cost per barrel. As the decline accelerates, giant producers like Shell and ExxonMobil eventually “abandon” such fields by selling the asset to smaller companies before the wells run dry.

Why Small Producers Buy Mature Fields

The relatively smaller companies do not have the same high standards that characterize the giant producers in terms of safety, organizational culture, reputation management, corporate social responsibility expectations, government regulatory pressures, employee compensation and benefits, etc. These capital-intensive factors mean that giant companies cannot make profit from marginal fields and mature wells. Such fields become a “distraction” to them as they constantly set their eyes on new conquests.

But that is not the case with smaller companies. Quite the opposite. Small companies buy marginal fields at much lower prices, then squeeze whatever is left of them using Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs).

What are Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs)?

When the quantity of oil in the well reduces, the well does not remain empty. Water flows in to cover the space. This increases the quantity of fluid to be lifted from the borehole to the surface for separation. Companies that want to continue producing from such wells consequently feel compelled to rely on Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs).

ESPs have revolutionized the oil and gas industry by providing an efficient and reliable method for lifting fluids from wellbores. Their adaptability to various well conditions and ability to handle large fluid volumes make them indispensable in modern hydrocarbon extraction.

However, successful deployment and operation of ESPs require careful consideration of installation, maintenance, and reservoir management challenges.

Challenges Associated with ESPs in the Oil and Gas Industry

1. Installation and Maintenance: the installation of ESPs can be complex, requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Furthermore, ESPs require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance, which can be challenging, especially in remote or offshore locations.
2. Scale and Corrosion: Mineral deposits can form on the pump components, reducing efficiency and potentially causing failures. Corrosive fluids can damage pump components, leading to leaks and mechanical failures.
3. Power Supply Issues: Ensuring a reliable power supply in remote or offshore locations can be challenging. Inconsistent power supply can lead to motor failures and reduce pump efficiency.
4. Reservoir Conditions: The presence of gas in the fluid can cause a gas lock, where the pump becomes gas-bound and loses its ability to lift fluids. Sand and other particulates can cause abrasion and clogging, leading to reduced pump efficiency and potential failures.
5. High Temperatures and Pressures: High temperatures and pressure in deep wells can stress pump components and lead to premature failures. Temperature fluctuations can cause thermal expansion and contraction, impacting the pump’s performance and integrity.

Solutions that SPETIV Provides to Oil and Gas Companies that Use ESPs

1. SPETIV supplies oil and gas companies with trained, experienced and qualified experts in ESP installation, troubleshooting and maintenance.
2. We provide comprehensive training for installation and maintenance crews to ensure they are skilled in handling ESP systems.
3. We provide technical advice to oil companies on advanced ESP installation tools and technologies that simplify the installation process and reduce downtime.
4. Using data analytics, we provide client companies with predictive maintenance strategies to anticipate potential ESP failures and perform maintenance before issues arise.
5. We support client companies in regularly treating their wells with scale and corrosion inhibitors to prevent deposit formation and material degradation. We also schedule periodic cleaning of pumps to remove any buildup of scale or corrosive material.
6. We assist our clients with reservoir management by installing gas separators or gas handlers above the pump intake to prevent gas from entering the pump.
7. We implement sand control measures such as gravel packing or sand screens, to prevent sand from entering the well and damaging the pump.
8. We provide other services and strategies such as thermal management solutions and pressure relief systems to keep the ESPs performant for as long as possible.

The Way Forward

For more information or to schedule a meeting, please contact SPETIV by email at [email protected]